A partnership between the Darebin City Council and the Victorian Government is revolutionising car use in the suburbs and getting locals out on the streets.

Love Living Local looked closely at existing travel behaviour, and the barriers to sustainable travel in the areas. They then actively worked to show residents what is on offer in the local neighbourhood with the aim of reducing car use.

With a focus on local neighbourhood centres such as shopping strips, the project has seen stencils on the footpath, pedestrian-friendly signage, newsletters to residents, kits for new tenants provided to real estate agents, and a ‘Transport Café’ stall at the shops. With the involvement of the local traders association, a home delivery service is being investigated, to make it easier for people to walk to the shops and do their household shopping.

The project has been such a success it’s now being rolled out to the suburb of Reservoir.